MLS Multiplex
Fansided

Kansas City Current beat Pachuca to reach Summer Cup semifinals

With Debinha and Hamilton on show, Current thrashes Pachuca and leads the group in the quest for the semifinals

By Izabelle Franca

Jul 27, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Current midfielder Debinha (99) celebrates with midfielder Vanessa DiBernardo (16) after a gaol in the first half against Pachuca at CPKC Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 27, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Current midfielder Debinha (99) celebrates with midfielder Vanessa DiBernardo (16) after a gaol in the first half against Pachuca at CPKC Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports / Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
facebooktwitterreddit

The NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup is on fire and Kansas City Current is in the spotlight after a convincing 3-0 win over Pachuca. The American side showed their strength and determination by dominating the match from the start, securing top spot in Group C with a breathtaking display.

Follow MLS Multiplex on X (Twitter).

Brazilian star Debinha was the protagonist, scoring two spectacular goals in the first half. As early as the 12th minute, Debinha hit a phenomenal shot from outside the area, putting the ball into the corner and opening the scoring for Current. The accuracy and power of the shot was breathtaking, leaving Pachuca goalkeeper Esthefanny Barreras helpless. Current's relentless pressure continued and, in the 28th minute, Debinha extended the lead with a goal of pure skill and opportunism. A perfect combination with Kristen Hamilton, who delivered a precise cross, resulted in the second goal. Debinha leapt and struck a spectacular volley, sending the ball into the net once again. It was a moment of pure magic that exemplified the chemistry between Current's players.

Not satisfied with their lead, the Americans continued to press. In the 32nd minute, it was Hamilton's turn to make her mark on the game. After a masterful move by Michelle Cooper, who dribbled past the Pachuca defender and crossed low into the box, Hamilton was there to push the ball into the empty net, sealing the score at 3-0. The team move was a fine example of teamwork and determination.

In the second half, Pachuca tried to react, but Current's defense, led by goalkeeper AD Franch, was impeccable. Franch made crucial saves, ensuring that the lead was maintained until the final whistle. Coach Vlatko Andonovski stressed the importance of starting the match with intensity and keeping control of the tempo, something his team did masterfully.

“One of the things we talked about before the game was that we wanted to start fast, we wanted to start intense and we wanted to impose ourselves on the opponent and set the tempo. We wanted to be the ones to control the tempo.”

The match was also marked by the professional debuts of Janae DeFazio and Allie Long. DeFazio, signed as a National Team substitute, came on in the 68th minute, while Long, a three-time NWSL veteran, made her debut for the club in the 77th minute, demonstrating the depth and quality of Current's squad.

With this win, Kansas City Current are in a privileged position to advance to the semifinals of the competition. Their next challenge will be against Tigres UANL, also unbeaten, in a match that promises to be exciting. The decisive match will take place on August 1, and expectations are high to see if Current can maintain their winning streak and secure their place in the next round.

feed